Environmental Health

Pollutants, toxic products and industry activities in the environment can impact your health. See what you need to know about environmental health concerns.

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Phthalates Are Everywhere and Scientists Are Worried

You might not have heard the word phthalates, but you've been exposed to them. They're chemicals that make plastics stronger and they're in just about everything you touch. But are they harmful to your health?

By Stephanie Parker

People's Bodies Now Run Cooler Than 'Normal' – Even in the Bolivian Amazon

In the U.S., normal body temperature has been dropping over the past 150 years. People run cooler today than they did two centuries ago. Why is that?

By Michael Gurven & Thomas Kraft

Should You Always Take Off Your Shoes in Your Home?

Some people feel you track a lot of germs and dirt into your home if you keep your street shoes on inside, but studies have shown it's not that bad.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

How Dirty Is Your Shower Head?

It's probably dirtier than you think.

By Laurie L. Dove

Plastic Pollution Is Showing Up in Our Poop

Microplastics in our poop indicate that even our food supply isn't safe from our plastic problem.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Is Breathing the New Smoking?

A new app analyzes air pollution and its equivalence to cigarette smoking.

By Carrie Tatro

When It Comes to Air Pollution, the Tiniest Particles Might Be the Worst

Increasing scientific evidence shows that ultrafine particles are especially hazardous to health.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Used Books May Be Germy, But They Won't Make You Sick

From libraries to used book stores, books get passed from hand to dirty hand. How safe are they to handle?

By Carrie Tatro

Why Do People Find Leaf Blowers So Irritating?

Does the sound of a leaf blower make you mad? There might be a physical reason for it.

By Laurie L. Dove

Human-caused CO2 Emissions Could Decrease Grain Protein, Risking Health of Millions

New research shows that human-caused CO2 emissions could decrease the nutritional value of staples like rice and wheat. But there are ways we can prepare.

By Jesslyn Shields

Hundreds of Scientists Call for Tighter Limits on Common Antibacterial Chemical

Hundreds of scientists and doctors are calling for stronger restrictions on antibacterial chemicals that show up in yoga mats, cosmetics, and even toothpaste.

By Laurie L. Dove

Long-term Exposure to Aircraft Noise Linked to High Blood Pressure

The latest study on airport noise spotlights the potentially negative relationship between aircraft sounds and human health.

By Laurie L. Dove

Glacier Cave Explorers Hunt Vanishing Beauty, Scientific Evidence

The icy spectacles are growing in many places, with the help of glacial melt and warmer summers.

By Kate Kershner

U.S. Gets a C- on Ocean Health

What’s behind the mediocre grade, and who gave it?

By Kate Kershner

There's a Big Battle Going on in the Grand Canyon

And it concerns a proposed development that will, depending on whom you talk to, spoil one of the world's natural wonders or build a better future for the Navajo people.

By John Donovan